These vendors know that “what’s old is new again,” that traditional processes and simpler times have a place in our speed-of-light world, and that…well, dinosaurs are cool! Meet a stationer whose cards remind us to slow down, a fiber artist creating critters using some of the world’s oldest crafting techniques, a jewelry maker with an appreciation for history and its remnants, and a potter of vessels with timeless appeal (and a kick-butt name!).
Cynla, Newburgh, NY
Cindy’s noble mission is to inspire her customers and the recipients of her hand-illustrated greeting cards to keep in touch, celebrate ALL the special moments in life (big and small), and to stress less! Her casual invites are the perfect way to prompt a brunch date, suggest going out for cheeseburgers, schedule a stitch and bitch, or even get together to brag about your pets! She’s also expanded her offering of get well, sympathy, new baby, and birthday cards, added new holiday cards, and created new paper products like gift tags, enclosure cards, and a calendar! We’re so glad to have Cindy of Cynla returning for her third Hullabaloo…Her detailed, whimsical, playful cards just make us happy (and, actually, a little less stressed!)!
KnitSquid Fiber Arts, Pittsfield, MA
Stop whatever you’re doing and take a look at this magnificent dragon Eliza from KnitSquid Fiber Arts made! Since last year, Eliza has added some new hand-knit animals to her herd and she’s also experimenting with needle felting to add unique features to her critters (take a closer look at that dragon). Whether you’re looking to take home a pink elephant, a wooly mammoth, a big-earred fox, a purple octopuses, a lazy sloth, a long-necked giraffe, or something even more exotic (like the dragon), Eliza’s creatures have character and craftsmanship that will ensure you’ve got a friend for life! She’s also launching a new line of small cat toys, inspired by her cat, Clyde! We’re so happy to have Eliza and her critters back for their second Hullabaloo—say hello, but be prepared to never say goodbye, because we KNOW you’ll be bringing a KnitSquid critter home for the holidays!
Fleurs Jolies, Olivebridge, NY
Maya’s unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, and bobby pins use elements of bygone eras—(think buttons from the 40s, hand-dyed acetate pieces from the 50s, vintage brass stampings, antique beads, old license plates and more) as well as modern elements (like Swarovski crystals, African beads, semi-precious stones, and metal chain and findings) to create a collision between modern and classic styles. Maya takes her inspiration from the colors of nature, and from the periods of history in which her materials were created—but she celebrates her luck that she gets to wear pretty clothes, make her elegant jewelry, AND vote! This is Maya’s first Hullabaloo and we’re glad we voted HER in, so that she can offer you her handmade jewelry with its classic beauty and modern attitude!
Pterodactyl Pottery, Manchester, CT
George Hakkila is an award-winning ceramic sculptor who decided to work on some ideas he had for pottery, and started Pterodactyl Pottery as a way of pushing himself further. As he says “So far, so good,” and we agree wholeheartedly! The name implies a certain primitive and ancient aesthetic—and we would say that’s accurate…if by “primitive” you mean simple, earthy elegance and by “ancient” you mean timeless and traditional. George’s pots, plates, jugs, bowls, vases, and jars are beautiful and expertly constructed, and the way he uses texture and glazes would blow the mind of any caveman. We love his masculine-yet-sophisticated lidded jars to keep desks neat (perfect gifts for messy guys), the saki-sized cups, and the gorgeous oversized salt-fired serving plates. Check them out and say hello to George at his first Hullabaloo!